Bernie, I also performed at The Fountainebleu, the one in Baltimore City. The waiters there were paid well under the minimum wage. Currently, minimum hourly wage in Maryland is $10.10, however waitstaff wages begin at $5.12 per hour.

That said, the waitstaff in many of the very upscale restaurants make as much as $1,000 a night. In those particular restaurants, the waitstaff age ranges from 40 to 60 years of age, and they pretty much consider it a lifetime job. Sure, they work very hard, they're on their feet constantly, most do not take breaks, but at the end of the night, they're able to shove a grand or more in the pocket and drive home. The lowly entertainer will likely get paid about $150 for his 4-hour performance, and with luck add another $100 in tips if they're in a tourist town. Locals rarely tip!

I enjoyed the young lady's performance that DNJ posted. Not only was she talented, but very attractive to boot. However, she was a typical example of the female entertainers I knew when I worked the nite club and restaurant circuit in Baltimore. Most, but not all, had other forms of income to supplement their musical careers.

All the best,

Gary